Natcore Technology Makes Laser-Processed HIT-Structure Solar Cell

Company Files For Provisional U.S. Patent

RED BANK, N.J., March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists working in the Rochester R&D Center of Natcore Technology Inc. (TSX-V: NXT; NTCXF.PK) have produced an all-back-contact silicon "HIT-structure" (heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer) solar cell using their proprietary laser technology.

"Silicon HIT-structure cells have been shown to yield record efficiencies of greater than 25%," says Dr. David Levy, Natcore's Director of Research and Technology. "Natcore's HIT-structure cells are made using thin amorphous silicon layers in combination with a standard crystalline silicon solar wafer. This concept makes very efficient cells, as seen in the Sanyo/Panasonic HIT™ cell."

Natcore's scientists used a laser in applying contacts to the rear of the cell. In addition to further increasing cell efficiency relative to industry standards, the Natcore all-back-contact technique could allow production of these high efficiency cells at low cost.

Panasonic recently reported an all-back-contact HIT-structure with 25.6% conversion efficiency – the highest efficiency ever reached for a silicon solar cell. That cell, however, was produced using a relatively complicated, higher-cost process. Natcore believes that it can achieve similar efficiencies at a much lower cost and without the environmental damage incurred through the chemicals and energy required for the high-temperature process.

Because of their initial results, Natcore has moved to protect its new process by filing a provisional patent application titled with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

"Basic HIT-structure cell technology is a couple of decades old," says Chuck Provini, Natcore President and CEO. "But our HIT-structure cell is not your father's HIT cell. We've made a device that has all of the positive aspects of a HIT cell, but also with our laser technology that will allow us to significantly streamline production. Our cell will have a much lower manufacturing cost than the cells made using the older technology. We continue to change the ways solar cells are made."

Statements in this press release other than purely historical factual information, including statements relating to revenues or profits, or Natcore's future plans and objectives, or expected sales, cash flows, and capital expenditures constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in Natcore's business, including risks inherent in the technology history. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except in accordance with applicable securities laws, Natcore expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact: Chuck Provini
732-576-8800

SOURCE Natcore Technology Inc.